Star Realm (Avalon
Trilogy Book 1) *****
by Julie Elizabeth
Powell

This was my first trek into the world of Powell’s
storytelling and I had a blast! I think time could turn this delightful tale of
five children testing themselves and developing as people through their
adventuring into a classic all-ages fantasy. Ben lives in the shadow of Davey, his older
brother. Billy rushes into trouble. Chrissy is sad over the death of her mom.
Annie only puts stock into science and social issues.

Together the children journey to another realm in order to
stop its destruction. Greed and selfishness on the childrens’ world, Elsewhere,
is causing the Star Realm to unravel. Only by adventuring the strange and
magical Star Realm and gathering seven elements can the children put things to
right. In the process they face their own insecurities, selfishness, and
sadness. I think this is a beautiful allegory about how people can and should
realign their values and question their motivations in order to improve our
society.

There is certainly plenty of maligned story telling being
passed off as truth in our politics, reality television, and professional
interactions. It is great to take in bits of truth in something that is clearly
a story.

If you enjoyed reading the Wizard of Oz series, with its
highly creative settings and characters, Star Realm is a good choice for you. I
think its adventure and excitement pace is similar to Chronicles of Narnia. The
theme is much more accessible to me in Star Realm, however. I am truly impressed
with this story.

I received a free audible code in exchange for a review. Any
review. That fact that it’s a good one is because the book is good. Which has
nothing to do with how awesome I am. You’ll have to find that out for yourself
@S_Shane_Thomas on Twitter.

As an adult who reads plenty of speculative fiction, I find
myself testing the barriers of reality within a story. You can tell me
outrageous lies and I will suspend disbelief, but I will also poke and prod the
world for believability. It was refreshing to be swept so far away from real life
that the idea of testing for believability became the ridiculous and
implausible notion.

Before I had kids I always fancied myself a sort of Peter
Pan. Raising your own little people can really convince you that you are grown.
Star realm was a great chance for me to think in kid terms again. Now’s the
part where you stop reading and buy. Go ahead…